Order Management and Customer Service - Essay Example

The techniques used for this model are simple series moving averages and weighted moving averages where data from past periods are summed and divided by the number of time periods. The only difference between simple and weighted moving averages fall on more weights being placed on more recent data for the latter technique.Finally, the cause and effect model assumes that factors are related to demand and that relationships between cause and effect are used to estimate future demands. Techniques for this model are simple and multiple regressions where the distinguishing factor depends on the number of variables.

For simple, there is only one variable; while for multiple, the demand is dependent on more than one variable.3. List and discuss several demand forecasting issues.The appropriate forecasting technique or model considers varying factors, to wit: current situation, time and funds available, and accuracy of the technique. As initially proffered, the judgmental approach is most appropriate for the introduction of the new products were no historical data is available. For example, a global organization seeking to expand in a new market, with no previous experience, could use judgmental forecasting.

Should the organization opt to conduct a survey to establish the possible demand for a new product, the company must consider time, money, and efforts for doing so.Another forecasting issue is determining the accuracy of the forecast. For the analog technique, the company requires using a similar product or service to project the future demand of their own product. For example, a company planning to market bottled water uses the performance of a competitive product of the same qualities to establish demand.

Some factors could be similar but the company must consider the location of the target market, as well as other environmental factors that could influence demand.Chapter 5: Protective Packaging and Materials Handling1. How do product characteristics influence packaging and materials handling considerations?The following product characteristics influence packaging and materials handling: physical characteristics, chemical characteristics, and properties of the goods. The physical characteristics, existing in solid, liquid, or gas; products’ ability to withstand various elements and the density define the kind and quality of packaging and the manner with which to handle these products.

In transporting fresh fruits, for example, one must consider the ripening process and respiration that affects the condition and the freshness of the products. Therefore, packaging and handling must consider the time and the temperature in cargos to ensure that the fruits arrive at their destination still in a fresh state. Likewise, products emitting some chemicals characteristics that need to be evaluated in packaging and in terms of determining what other products are packed beside them. Finally, the properties of goods, such as fabrics or wood, must also include the necessary labels for proper care.2. Discuss some of the packaging requirements associated with hazardous cargo.

Hazardous cargo needs to be properly labeled, with special packaging, and warnings indicated on shipping documents as well as relayed to carriers in advance. Flammable materials, for example, must consider proper grounding of vehicles and receiving or discharging devices. At times, certain routes are only allowed at specified times to allow trucks with explosives or dangerous cargo to pass.10. What environmentally friendly packaging strategies might a firm adopt?With firms focusing on environmentally friendly packages for their products, strategies could consider the ability to recycle packages, vacuum sealed, biodegradable, among others.

Specifically, the strategies should involve (1) reducing the number of packaging materials used but ensuring well-tempered materials; (2) consider environmental friendly materials by avoiding plastics and vinyl, among others; (3) use refillable containers; and (4) consider recycling by retaining and supporting services that collect and recycle used packages.